Beginner:
A beginner rider has an advantage over someone who is an intermediate rider who thinks he or she is not a beginner. Meaning, someone who has a decent amount of riding experience may also be practicing techniques the wrong way and will continue to struggle with bad habits. As a beginner, a rider has a blank sheet of paper in front of them and can develop riding tips and techniques the right way the moment they get on the snow. Don’t be afraid to label yourself as a beginner rider even if you have years of trail riding experience, trust me, riding in the mountains is a whole new ball game!
Characteristics of a Beginner:
- limited snowmobile experience
- difficulty with throttle control
- little confidence with off trail navigation
- difficulty with body positioning and weight transfer
- unclear understanding of overall snowmobile control
- little or no avalanche experience
Intermediate:
Intermediate riders are able to understand most of the concepts involved in riding snowmobiles in mountainous terrain, but are inconsistent. Having an understanding, but not being able to implement techniques related to mountain riding will most certainly lead to problems. An intermediate, though, has the basics down pat and will most likely pick things up quickly. For instance, riders who are able to side hill one direction may have a difficult time side hilling the other direction. Although they have the skill to side hill, maintaining that movement in an opposite direction remains a challenge. Intermediate riders are usually the easiest to pick out of a crowd, they can rip up the slopes but in a seemingly out of control manner. This level of riding can be dangerous and unpredictable, but with some proper techniques and exercises related to control of your snowmobile, an intermediate rider will advance quickly and safely.
Characteristics of an Intermediate Rider:
-has snowmobile experience
-continues to over power the machine
-inconsistent throttle control
-basic understanding of body positioning and weight transfer
-has off trail experience, but lacks symmetry and has a dominant side
-has basic avalanche experience and knows his or her equipment
Advanced:
Advanced riders are able to navigate most mountainous terrain with confidence. They have a clear understanding of off trail techniques and are able to identify hazardous areas within the backcountry. They have learned the proper methods to safely navigate through trees and other potential dangerous obstacles. An advanced rider is someone who doesn’t have a dominant side and has learned the “art” of throttle control. This level of mountain riding is where everyone wants to be and with proper exercises and technique-specific drills, reaching this level is very possible. Riding with confidence and a clear understanding of avalanche dangers will inevitably make you an advanced rider.
Characteristics of an Advanced Rider:
-has clear understanding of snowmobiling and mechanics of a snowmobile
-ability to navigate mountainous terrain and identify hazardous areas
-can negotiate any terrain in any snow condition
-has the confidence and skill level to dominate terrain
-has avalanche experience and knowledge of an avalanche rescue plan.
Next Level Riding Clinics knows that many riders consider themselves somewhere in between these levels and reminds participants that progression is our main objective. We have developed drills and exercises that will put you to the test and will ultimately make you a better rider. The Rate My Skill Questionnaire is a basic way for you to rate your level of ability and help place you within a group. If you think you are in between two skill levels, chances are, refining current skills before you move on is our best advice.
|
